What Is The Legal Tint Percentage For An Automobile

July 10, 2022

There are numerous ways to make your vehicle stand out. One method is to have your car's windows tinted. The tint enhances your vehicle's overall appearance and adds a level of mystery that is sure to attract the attention of onlookers.


The majority of car tints are black. Other colors and non-reflective options, such as gold, charcoal, gray, and bronze, are available. Car tinting is also available in various percentages ranging from 5% to 90%. It is important to note that the window tint percentages refer to the amount of light that can pass through the window, also known as VLT (Visible light transmission). These percentages imply that the lower the percentage of window tint, the darker the windows and, as a result, the darker the car interior.


Benefits of Tinted Windows


You may choose to tint their windows for a variety of reasons. Apart from making your car look nice, tinted windows provide several benefits to you and your vehicle, making them an excellent choice.


One of the advantages is privacy. Darker tinted windows make it more difficult for curious onlookers to peer into your vehicle. The tinted windows allow you to see outside while preventing curious onlookers from viewing the contents of your vehicle. To avoid confrontation with law enforcement authorities, it is critical to consider your state's laws while applying a darker tint for privacy.


Other advantages include dermatology and skin health. Tinted windows prevent harmful UV rays from passing through your car windows and causing damage to your skin. This capability shields your skin from direct sunlight, preventing skin burns and other skin ailments.


Another advantage is that it protects the interior of your vehicle. Keeping direct sunlight away from your car's interior will protect your upholstery, dashboard, and other interior components. For example, dark-tinted front side windows will keep UV rays off your dashboard, preventing cracking and fading.


Heat control is another advantage of installing tinted windows in your car. The tint blocks harmful UV rays and keeps your interior cooler than it would be without the tint. Being cooler makes your interior more comfortable to stay in and cuts down on the amount of time you need to turn on the air conditioner, especially in mild to hot weather.


This list would be completed by driving safety. Tints on the front windows shield you and your passenger from the direct light of oncoming traffic's headlights. This feature assists you in navigating even on busy highways at night.

Window Tint

Window Tint Laws


Different states across the country have different car window tinting laws. Therefore, it is vital to research and learn from your local authorities about the car tinting laws of the state you reside in before tinting your windows.


It's also worth noting that different states have different tint percentages for their windows. For example, windshield tinting laws specify acceptable tint percentages that do not impair daily driving. The acceptable limit for rear window limo tint, on the other hand, can be as low as 5%. In comparison, unless you have specific medical reasons that require a darker shade, this percentage (5% for rear window tint) is prohibited for passenger cars. If you have a doctor's recommendation or other medical exemptions that require dark tint, notify your officer and produce the necessary documentation when a police officer stops you to avoid unnecessary confrontation with law enforcement officials.


Choosing Your Window Tint.


While selecting a window tint, several factors should guide your decision. While deciding, give preference to the state laws and remember that it's advisable to go for an option that creates a balance between the aesthetic value of tinted windows and their functionality.


Consider Your Location


If you live in areas with a hotter climate like Latin America, then it will make sense if you install a tint to block the UV rays. You can select tint with percentages from 15-35%. This option can block UV and UVB rays from entering your car. Blocking the UV rays will protect your skin and the interior of your car from the harsh effects of direct sunlight. The degree of protection from the harmful rays will depend on the window film quality as much as the indicated percentage. It is, therefore, prudent to select high-quality window tint products.


Your selection should also be per the set regulations.


Local Car window tint laws


Before installing any tint on your car, consider the window tint laws in your area. It would help if you also researched to confirm acceptable visible light transmission levels for the different windows. Most states have defined window tint darkness for the rear windows, passenger window, driver window, and entire windshield.


Your Car's Final Look


If you are purely interested in your car's final look, you need to work with professionals who can determine the result of tinting your windows or have software that simulates the final look. Having the final picture in mind will make it easy to choose your car's window tint within the legally accepted limits of your state laws.


Current State of Your Windows


Some vehicle windows come with pre-installed window tint from the factory. Some newer models also come with privacy glass designed to prevent people from peeping into your car. In the case of privacy glass, it has dark components that make the window film used in car tints irrelevant.


Tint Options Vs. Budget


There are different tint options in the market for your consideration. While shopping for the best window tint offers, take time to understand the cost of all possibilities.


Carbon color stable window tint protects you and your car against UV and UVB rays. When you install it professionally, it can serve you for over ten years.


On the other hand, Ceramic Window Tinting offers the best functionality and aesthetics. It blocks UV, UVB, and infrared rays from penetrating your windshield, thus keeping you and your vehicle's interior safe from the effects of harmful rays.


Standard Window tint Guidelines Across States


As you consider tinting your car windows, note that some guidelines cut across several states. Law enforcement authorities enforce these guidelines because they contribute to poor visibility while driving or may affect other drivers and road users. They include;


  • Tint material with excessive reflections. This tinting may blind other drivers when sunlight or headlights shine on them and cause serious accidents. This category will involve mirrored tinting or any other reflective material.
  • Red/Amber tints are prohibited.
  • Rear window tint laws dictate the use of dual-side mirrors while driving.


Different state laws define window tinting differently, but the most common definitions include


  • Placing window tinting film on your car window on your car's glass surface. This installation is usually aftermarket because the factory-installed tint is done by adding pigmentation to the glass during manufacturing and therefore doesn't involve the use of tint film.
  • Shade bands are placed horizontally on top of your vehicle's windshield.
  • Plastic or polyester material is stuck on your car's window from the car's inside and is usually held in place using small suction cups. These are temporary, easily removed


Police officers will use tint meters to determine how dark your tint is. If you are lucky, they may ask you to remove the tint in compliance with rear window and windshield tinting laws and other tinting laws.


If the law authorities ask you to remove your car's tint, then it's advisable. This action is essential because your penalties may increase if they pull you over again. Tint laws fall under minor traffic laws, and the cop may issue a fix-it ticket for a first-time offense which might cost you about 25$. This fine may go up to about 100$ for a second-time fix-it violation and maybe up to 200$ for subsequent arrests. You may get lucky and get a softer penalty if you remove the tint immediately after the cop identifies it as contradicting state laws.


Seeking Tint Advice For Your Vehicle?


When it comes to taking care of your car and making it look good, you should hire professionals. The experts will advise you on the best way to achieve your goal while staying within your budget and working to finish the project on time. It is critical to work with professionals who understand car window tint laws, have experience working with various car models, and understand how to address specific needs when tinting your car windows.


At Detail Solutions, we understand car window tinting. We boast of in-depth experience with car window tinting, and our team is ready to help you select the best car window tinting solution for your car. We also use high-grade car window tinting products that guarantee you all the benefits of a well-fitted window tint.



Feel free to contact us by filling out this contact form to get a free quote about your upcoming car tinting project.

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